E3 2016: Nintendo Treehouse: Live to air on 14 June with Zelda focus

The Legend of Zelda for Wii U is to be the subject of a special Nintendo Treehouse: Live as part of Nintendo's efforts at this year's E3, which takes place in June.

As part of the three-day expo, which this year runs from 14 June to 16 June, Nintendo has confirmed that it will air a special Nintendo Treehouse: Live at 09:00 PT on 14 June.

The stream will be introduced by Reggie Fils-Aime and will focus on a full day's live-streaming of The Legend of Zelda for Wii U, which is the focus of Nintendo's E3 and the sole playable game on their showfloor this year.

Fans around the world will be able to watch the stream on Twitch or YouTube, as well as on Nintendo's official E3 website - and Nintendo says it will feature plenty of footage, behind-the-scenes information, and other fun activities.

The series' producer, Eiji Aonuma, has previously said that the new game - which will also launch for NX - will remove boundaries and linear gameplay, and introduce totally new gameplay to the series.

The stream will take place in Nintendo's traditional presentation slot, where it has either hosted a live presentation or a Nintendo Digital Event for many years; it is not known if such an event will take place at E3 - or before or after it - this year.

The Legend of Zelda for Wii U will be Playable for the First Time at E3

One Lucky Zelda Fan to Win a Trip to E3 and be Among the First to Play the Game

REDMOND, Wash., May 5, 2016 – Nintendo will transform its booth at the E3 video game trade show next month in Los Angeles to immerse fans in the world of the newest game in The Legend of Zelda franchise – playable for the first time ever at the show. To ensure attendees are able to truly experience the freedom of exploration the game offers, The Legend of Zelda for Wii U will be Nintendo’s focus of the show this year, and will be the only playable game in Nintendo’s booth via extended demos.

“At E3 this year, we’re treating people to an immersive Zelda experience,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “By giving attendees extended hands-on time with this remarkable game, they’ll be able to get a much deeper understanding of something new for the franchise.”

Nintendo’s kickoff to the E3 show happens at 9 a.m. PT Tuesday, June 14, when Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime introduces Nintendo Treehouse: Live, which will be dedicated to a day of live-streamed gameplay of The Legend of Zelda. This will be the world’s first in-depth look at the game, which will also include commentaries by Nintendo developers. The Legend of Zelda gameplay will be streamed from the E3 show floor via Nintendo’s channels on YouTube and Twitch, as well as on http://e3.nintendo.com. The stream will include game coverage, behind-the-scenes info and plenty of fun.

Series Producer Eiji Aonuma has said that this new installment in The Legend of Zelda franchise will be a clean break from the conventions of previous games, removing boundaries that forced players to follow a set path and introducing new gameplay that has not been experienced in previous games in the series.

While people everywhere will be able to watch The Legend of Zelda gameplay online, one lucky fan and a companion will be flown to Los Angeles to enjoy the action in person and be among the first to play the game on the show floor. Between now and May 10, Nintendo is offering a sweepstakes on Twitter for a chance to win a trip for two to E3 to play the game. Anyone who tweets @NintendoAmerica a note about what The Legend of Zelda series means to them while using the hashtags #MyZeldaLegend and #NintendoSweepstakes will be entered for a chance to win. Fans can share messages about their favorite games, characters or memories of the franchise. Nintendo will select a winner at random. The prize package includes airfare for two, a hotel stay, tickets to E3, a $500 prepaid VISA debit card. For all the details about the sweepstakes, visit http://e3.nintendo.com/#section-sweepstakes.